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Dr. Joseph Zunt's research in Peru started in 1996 as an infectious diseases fellow examining the neurologic manifestations of HTLV-1 infection upon female sex workers (FSW). This research expanded to compare the epidemiology of HTLV-1, HTLV-2, HIV and retroviral co-infections in the general population, in indigenous populations, in men who have sex with men, and in children. This research lead to projects examining other sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus – leading to improved testing and treatment of marginalized populations, as well as research examining cervical cancer screening and treatment and qualitative work to define stigma associated with cancer affecting women. Dr. Zunt and his team developed a nationwide surveillance in five Peruvian cities to define etiologies of meningitis and encephalitis – with the anticipated finding that the majority of identified causes of encephalitis were due to herpes simplex virus.

Since 2004, Dr. Zunt has mentored 65 US and Peruvian medical students and physicians who have completed 11-month research projects in Peru. Over the first six years of the NIH Fogarty Global Health Fellows and Scholars Program, the Northern Pacific Global Health Consortium has supported training of 131 doctoral students and post-doctoral trainees in 8 countries. Through NIH-supported programs, Dr. Zunt has participated in the development of syllabi, workshops and hybrid on-line/in-person training to improve research methodology and priorities, research ethics, capacity building and mentorship training offered across the globe.